The six month report includes information such as the number of surgeries Southern Cross funds through its insurance business and take place in its hospitals, interesting travel insurance claims, and what illnesses Kiwis have been searching for in the medical library.

While Australia and the Pacific Islands have been the traditional destinations for families travelling during the winter holidays, the USA and Indonesia, with its most popular island, Bali are becoming increasingly popular.

Southern Cross Pet Insurance has released its 10 most unusual claims of 2017, with the list dominated by dogs who have an appetite for everything from gloves and cotton buds to duvets and even dead pets.